12 BEST PRODUCTS FOR BRAIDS

Braids are basically the ideal protective hairdo to use on a daily basis. Because they are constantly in style, simple to maintain, and they provide you with a nice respite from everyday hair styling, they minimize the risk of damage. If you’re new to braiding, it’s important to know that there are a few essential hair products and techniques that will maintain the health of your scalp and keep your braids looking great until it’s time to take off your preferred style. These 12 best products for braids can help you maintain the best-looking braids possible all the time.

BED HEAD BY TIGI HAIR WAX STICK

The TIGI Bed Head Wax Stick is the best for frizzy edges, curly hair, and braids. It is enhanced with beeswax and highly nourishing castor oil, which provide your hair definition and moisture retention. This stick repairs flyaways at the edges and securely secures the braids. The formula’s natural oils shield the braids from heat, perspiration, and humidity without causing cakey or sticky layers to build up on the scalp. With a no-mess application that works on all hair kinds and lengths, this semi-matte finish stick guarantees a touchable, silky texture that draws attention. Online reviews for the product have been overwhelmingly favorable, attesting to its effectiveness in keeping hair in place.

PANTENE GOLD SERIES TRIPLE CARE BRAID CREAM

Pantene’s Gold Series Triple Care Braid Cream is a moisture-locking, texture-enhancing braid styling product. Its pure argan oil infusion relieves the tension that braiding causes to build up on the scalp and hair. Provitamin B5 and vitamin E nourish the braids and shield them from drying out and breaking. In addition, this cream gives braids and locs a delicate sheen and manages frizz. While the recipe is thick enough to distribute easily over afro or textured hair, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind or accumulate in the cuticles. This is an unbiased assessment and the tester’s firsthand account of the use of the product.

CAROL’S DAUGHTER CURL DEFINING BUTTER

With hydrating and nourishing ingredients including agave, avocado oil, honey, shea butter, and other rich oils, the Carol’s Daughter Curl Defining Butter helps to keep your curls defined for a whole day. The recipe imparts a natural shine to your curly or kinky hair without leaving greasy residue and is free of silicone and parabens. This hair butter is perfect for neat braids since it smooths out knots and gives your hair a silky quality. It also has a clean scent that makes you feel happy all day long. If you are looking for a really good shea butter for hair, we highly recommend this.

BEARD GAINS LION LOCS ROSEWATER SPRAY

The Beard Gains Lion Locs Rosewater Spray is a great hair care product for braiding and healthy hair since it is lightweight, doesn’t flake or leave any residue behind, and doesn’t leave heavy oil stains. In addition to rosewater, this spray is enhanced with glycerin, aloe, vitamins, and essential oils to provide your with dreadlocks restorative treatment and prevent them from drying out. It enters the scalp and promotes the growth of healthy hair in dry and damaged hair. Hair types that are naturally straight or wavy can both benefit from this product. Made from natural components, this gently scented spray will keep your hair smelling good and looking healthy. However, the rose scent can be overpowering for some.

THE MANE CHOICE TROPICAL MORINGA PEARLY BRAID OUT GLAZE

Flyaways, twists, and braids are defined and supplely held in place by the Tropical Moringa Pearly Braid Out Glaze. It locks in all the excess moisture and gives the hair back its luster and smoothness. Botanical ingredients, moringa seed oil, and vitamins A, D, and E are added to this braid glaze, which thoroughly penetrates the hair shafts to replace and restore nutrient balance. Strength, elasticity, and shine are all increased, and style is made to last longer. This glaze offers comprehensive restorative treatment by swiftly penetrating into your scalp and hair strands and notably reducing breakage and shedding. It is among the greatest wash-and-go choices because it is simple to rinse off.

SULFUR8 LOC TWIST AND BRAID OIL

This unique mix of sunflower seed, olive, sweet almond, tea tree, and wheat germ oils is used to make this braid oil, which works like a magic bullet for hair that is braided. The braids, twists, and locs are nourished and moisturized by this rich and nutritious oil combination. It encourages healthy development and gives hair shafts their original gloss and smoothness again. The special combination of oils releases built-up tension and leaves the scalp and cuticles feeling cool and comforting. It spreads and seeps easily due to its weightless nature, leaving the scalp free of residue.

SHEAMOISTURE TRACK TENSION & ITCH RELIEF SERUM

What your braids need is Shea Moisture’s Jojoba Oil and Ucuuba Butter Track Tension and Itch Relief Serum. The jojoba seed, ucuuba nut, carrot seed, and peppermint oils in this shea butter-based serum rapidly ease scalp tension and irritation brought on by tightly braided styles and sewn-in weaves. In order to lessen breakage and hair loss, it deeply hydrates the hair shafts.  Regular use of the oil combination gives textured hair its original strength, gloss, and smoothness back. If you have been wondering “Is shea butter good for hair”, this product will give you the answer.

MURRAY SPRAY UNLOCK

Braids and weaves may be easily and safely removed using Murray’s Spray UnlockTM without causing any damage to the hair. It includes a unique combination of herbs and oils that are incorporated into a foundation of castor oil. As a result, this spray works wonders as a conditioning and preparation tool. Additionally, salicylic acid is included, which helps treat conditions including seborrheic dermatitis and dry scalp. By shielding and feeding individual hair strands, these substances stop breakage and hair loss. Both synthetic and natural hair can use this spray because of its chemical-free, weightless formula.

KUZA BEESWAX HAIR & BRAID CONDITIONER

Under braids or weaves, Kuza’s conditioner provides an amazing grip and deeply hydrates the hair and scalp. It is enhanced with paraffin and natural beeswax, which provide dry, stressed-out textured hair with  the necessary fats and emollients. This conditioner relieves the stress caused by braiding in the scalp and returns the proper balance of moisture. Additionally, it may be used as a pomade to kinky and coily hair to seal twists, locs, braids, and other styles. No doubt, this is one of the best deep conditioners for curly hair and braids.

ESHA SLICK N SLAY BRAIDING GEL

The Esha Slick N Slay Braiding Gel is an essential item for any hairstyle need including intense grip. It helps your hair stay in place all day by providing just the proper amount of control and nutrition without the frizz. The lotion is safe to use on braids and the scalp because of its non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious components. Its formula is flake-free, light, and leaves no residue behind. All hair types may use this simple-to-use gel, which encourages healthy hair development.

BEACHWAVER CO. BRAID BALM PRE-BRAID GEL

An inventive solution called Beachwaver Co. Braid Balm Pre-Braid Prep can help you create gorgeous braided hairstyles. The foam ensures that your braids look perfect and last all day thanks to its easy application and sturdy grip design. Its ionic + alpha bond multiplier formulation fortifies and nourishes the internal structure of hair up to three times, all the while giving each strand more shine. This mess-free application product offers many style options.

THE MORE CRAZY BRAIDING GEL

With The MORE Crazy Braiding Gel, you may style your hair as you choose. Without having to worry about drying alcohol, flakiness, or waxy residue, get an extra-extreme grip. Rich ingredients like argan oil and black castor oil are included in the product’s formulation to feed the scalp, encourage hair development, and give perfect hold. Because this clear gel doesn’t change the color of your hair, you may easily obtain the look you want. However, it might be challenging to wash off.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Prepare to be enthralled as we unveil a collection that combines luxury, innovation, and enticing flair. These top braid-enhancing hair products aren’t your average haircare picks; rather, they’re revolutionary items designed specifically to draw attention to your braids. These necessities provide nourishment and additional shine while preventing frizziness and flyaways, which may cause braids to become uncomfortable and frizzy after a few days.

25 BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS

The birth of a baby is a special time that brings happiness and excitement, but it also requires a lot of adjustments. New moms are like superheroes starting a wonderful, but often tired, journey. To show your love and support, a well-chosen gift can make their experience easier and more enjoyable. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right present. Don’t worry! This list has 25 great gift ideas for new moms, suited to different needs and budgets.

BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS

NURSING ENTERTAINMENT

When it comes to gifts for moms-to-be, nursing entertainment options can be a thoughtful and practical choice. New moms often spend long hours breastfeeding their babies, and having something to keep them entertained during those moments can make a big difference. Consider giving a subscription to audiobooks, podcasts, or streaming services so that they can enjoy their favorite shows or listen to engaging stories while caring for their little one. These gifts not only provide entertainment but also help moms relax and make nursing sessions more enjoyable.

ESARORA ICE ROLLER

The Esarora Ice Roller is a fantastic choice for new moms. This handy device offers a refreshing and soothing experience, especially during those hectic early days of motherhood. The ice roller can help reduce puffiness, soothe tired eyes, and relieve headaches, providing much-needed relief for sleep-deprived moms. Its compact size and ease of use make it convenient for quick self-care sessions whenever they need a little pick-me-up. The Esarora Ice Roller is a budget-friendly gift for women under $25 that can make a significant impact on a new mom’s well-being and self-care routine.

A HEALING BALM

Among the top gifts for women in 2022, the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream stands out as a perfect choice for new parents. With the constant need for handwashing due to diaper changes, spit-up, and the delicate immune systems of newborns, parenthood brings a whole new level of importance to maintaining supple skin. This intensively moisturizing cream has long been a favorite of Wirecutter staff and is considered a classic in the beauty world. It combines powerful moisturizers like lanolin, beeswax, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils to prevent water loss, along with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, viola tricolor, and calendula. 

LOULOU LOLLIPOP NEW YORK CITY DELUXE MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET

A classic receiving blanket, like the incredibly soft muslin one from Loulou Lollipop, is a versatile gift that can serve multiple purposes for new moms. Aside from being an excellent swaddle for the baby, it can also be used as a nursing shawl, a cover for the car seat, and a burp cloth. With its New York-themed design, it adds a touch of style and charm to any baby ensemble. This multipurpose blanket is not only practical but also a lovely and thoughtful gift for new moms.

LOW-EFFORT DINNER 

Low-effort is also on the list of best gifts for new mothers. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming, leaving little time and energy to prepare meals. That’s why gifting a meal delivery service or a selection of pre-made frozen meals can be a thoughtful and practical choice. With these options, new mothers can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the hassle of cooking. It gives them the convenience and comfort they need during this busy time, allowing them to focus on taking care of their little ones.

MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER

A mobile photo printer can be a great gift for new moms. It’s a simple device that allows them to print photos directly from their smartphones. With this handy gadget, new moms can easily capture and print precious moments with their little ones. Whether it’s a cute smile or a milestone achievement, they can instantly have physical copies of these special memories. The mobile photo printer is portable and easy to use, making it convenient for on-the-go printing. 

A ONE-HANDED WATER BOTTLE

An essential item for new moms on the go is a one-handed water bottle. This cleverly designed water bottle allows them to stay hydrated with ease, even while juggling the demands of taking care of their little one. With its innovative design, moms can open and close the bottle using just one hand, leaving their other hand free for holding the baby, pushing a stroller, or attending to other tasks. The spill-proof feature ensures that they can take a sip whenever they need it, without worrying about leaks or messes. 

BABY FOOTPRINT KIT & HANDPRINT KIT

This delightful kit is a perfect gift for new moms who want to capture and cherish those precious early memories. The setting clay allows them to create a beautiful keepsake of their baby’s tiny hands and feet, preserving them in a unique and sentimental way. With the included alphabet stamps, they can personalize the frame by adding their child’s name and birth date, making it a truly special memento that they can treasure for years to come.

TINY GOLD HOOPS

When babies begin to grab things, wearing large jewelry becomes impractical. That’s where Automic Gold’s Mini Seamless Huggie Hoops come to the rescue. These timeless and ungraspable earrings are made in New York from 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, which is upcycled from old electronics and jewelry. The hoops feature an invisible lock that clasps securely, requiring just a fingertip to locate the open edge for opening and closing them. Their seamless construction ensures comfort, making them suitable for wearing even during sleep, which is especially convenient for new moms who catch some much-needed rest whenever they can.

BABY’S FRIEND

If you ask any experienced parent, they’ll emphasize one important item: Sophie the giraffe. This adorable teether in the shape of a giraffe is renowned for providing comfort to babies, and it’s crafted from 100 percent natural rubber. It’s a universal favorite among babies, including both of my own daughters. There’s something about its design that makes it ideal for tiny hands and mouths. We never left home without it, as it quickly became an essential companion for our little ones.

SOOTHING NURSING PILLOWS

Soothing nursing pillows are a wonderful gift for new moms. These pillows provide comfort and support during breastfeeding sessions, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. They are specially designed to help moms find a comfortable position while feeding their baby, reducing strain on their back, neck, and arms. The softness and cushioning of the pillows provide a cozy nest for the baby, promoting a secure and close bond between mom and child. With soothing nursing pillows, new moms can have a more comfortable and nurturing breastfeeding experience, making it a thoughtful and practical gift choice.

A BOX OF SURPRISE

This special box is filled with a variety of surprises and treats to bring joy and pampering to the new mom. It may include self-care items like bath bombs, scented candles, face masks, or relaxing teas. It could also contain small gifts for the baby, such as cute onesies or soft toys. The element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the new mom, making it a truly memorable and heartwarming gift. This box of surprises is a wonderful way to show love and support to the new mom during this important and transformative time in her life.

SILICONE BREAST PUMP

This type of breast pump is made from soft and flexible silicone material, which makes it comfortable to use. It works by creating a gentle suction that helps draw out breast milk. Silicone breast pumps are compact, portable, and easy to clean, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They are especially handy for collecting milk during breastfeeding sessions or when experiencing let-down on the opposite breast. With a silicone breast pump, new moms can easily and discreetly collect breast milk, providing them with an efficient and convenient option for breastfeeding and milk storage.

BABY’S BACKPACK

If you’re seeking a practical and unexpected gift for a new mom, consider a fantastic hiking backpack that can be used for outdoor adventures or even everyday outings. This hiking baby carrier boasts padded shoulder straps and a spacious hip belt, ensuring the utmost comfort. It features convenient pockets in the hip belt for easy access to phones and wallets, as well as ample storage space for all the essential items in a diaper bag. The little one will relish the elevated and secure padded seat, the removable napping pillow, the optional sunshade, and the opportunity to view the wonders of the great outdoors. This hiking backpack is a thoughtful and versatile gift that will prove invaluable throughout the coming year.

BABY BOUNCER

These versatile and entertaining items provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to play and relax. The gentle bouncing motion can soothe and entertain little ones, giving moms a much-needed break. Some baby bouncers come with additional features like music, vibrations, and toys to stimulate the baby’s senses. They are portable and easy to move around the house, allowing moms to keep an eye on their little one while attending to other tasks. 

SELF-WATERING POTS

With a self-watering pot, new moms don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring and watering their plants. The built-in reservoir system ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. This feature is especially beneficial for moms who may have limited time or experience in plant care. Self-watering pots not only bring beauty and greenery to the home but also offer a convenient and low-maintenance solution for nurturing plants.

SKINCARE GIFT

She’s probably stocked up on everything the baby needs, but it’s important to consider her own well-being too. This clean skin care set is a thoughtful gift that includes three essential items (nipple balm, body cream, and face wash) specially curated for new moms. These products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring gentle and safe care for her skin during this special time.

A PERSONALIZED NECKLACE

If you’re looking for a timeless piece to last long after the days of swaddles and sleep regressions, we suggest the 14k Gold Asymmetrical Initial Necklace from Los Angeles–based jeweler Zoe Lev. Each necklace is forged from recycled yellow, white, or rose gold. It’s likely to become the kind of piece she never takes off. The sideways initial in a sans serif font has a modern appeal that’s classic enough to fit a range of styles. Zoe Lev also offers repairs and alterations—such as adding another initial down the road—for a nominal fee.

MIRACLE BABY MIRACLE BLANKET

If you’re seeking a reliable and tried-and-true swaddle option, Laura Izumikawa, a blogger, author, and mom of two, highly recommends the Miracle Blanket. This traditional-style swaddle has proven to be foolproof in her experience. According to Laura, swaddling her girls in this specific wrap brought them increased contentment and longer sleep durations.

RECORD SPECIAL MOMENTS

The early years fly by in no time! Capture all the wonderful moments with this charming baby book. The Memory Book is a 48-page keepsake designed thoughtfully for busy parents. It features simple prompts to record key milestones and provides convenient spaces to attach photos, making it effortless to document and cherish those precious memories.

SWEET READS

Attempting to encapsulate the multifaceted journey of motherhood in a single sentence, paragraph, or book is an immense task. However, Grace Farris, a doctor, mother, and author, bravely takes on this challenge in her illustrated manual, Mom Milestones. Born from her popular Instagram account, this book showcases heartwarming and insightful sketches that delve into her own humbling experiences of parenthood. From the early stages of being a Newborn Mom to navigating the world of Elementary School Mom, Farris traces the evolution of a mother with poignant reflections like “Notes I Would Send Myself” and “Tricks That Don’t Work.” Particularly for new moms, this affirming read serves as a literary road map, offering guidance through the challenging yet immensely rewarding path that lies ahead.

GIFT CARD

Takeout-delivery gift cards are always great for new parents, but there’s something to be said for having a stash of wholesome, ready-to-go frozen meals on hand when they’re feeling peckish. Ipsa, which several Strategist staffers and I swear by, allows folks to order high-end, actually delicious dishes like lasagne ai funghi and green-chicken enchilada bake à la carte.

TOTE

It’s important not to underestimate the amount of items a new mom needs to carry around. This lovely bag will become her trusted companion during errand runs, trips to the park, doctor’s appointments, and beyond. Additionally, it comes in a versatile black color that helps conceal any spills or messes that may occur along the way. With this bag, new moms can stay organized and stylish while effortlessly managing all their essential belongings.

BAD-HAIR DAYS, BEGONE

Hair claws are having a renaissance, and no demographic is better suited to embracing the trend than newly anointed moms. The Emi Jay Big Effing Clip is mom and senior editor Catherine Kast’s favorite clip for a few reasons: It’s huge, sturdy, and crack resistant, and it comes in a ton of fun shades and finishes. And it’s versatile enough for every stage of new-momhood, from the stage where the new mom doesn’t wash her hair to the stage where the little one pulls out her hair to the stage where she finally ventures out on her first, much-needed date night.

ORGANIC MIXED FRUIT

This thoughtful and nutritious gift provides a variety of delicious fruits that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthier option for both the mom and her family. Organic mixed fruit gifts often include a selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and tropical fruits, providing a vibrant and flavorful assortment. These fruits are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offer natural sweetness and refreshing flavors. Offering an organic mixed fruit gift to a new mom is a delightful way to promote her well-being and provide a nourishing treat during this special time.

CONCLUSION

The 25 best gifts for new moms encompass a wide range of thoughtful and practical options that cater to their needs and celebrate this transformative journey. From luxurious self-care items to functional baby gear, these gifts aim to support and uplift new moms during this extraordinary chapter of their lives. With the best gifts for new moms, we can show our appreciation and help them navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with love, care, and a touch of indulgence.